Taiwan’s representative to Canada Winston Chen on Monday said he hopes that Canada would follow in the footsteps of the US and send Cabinet-level officials to Taiwan. Chen was cited in an opinion piece in the Canadian newspaper The Hill Times.
US Health Secretary Alex Azar’s recent visit to Taiwan was the highest level trip by a US official since 1979. Chen said the visit was historic for Taiwan-US relations. Azar’s visit indicated that diplomatic activities can be carried out despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations.
Chen also cited that a former Japanese prime minister has visited Taiwan and a delegation headed by the Czech Senate president will be visiting Taiwan soon. He said it would be ideal if Canada can do the same. Chen said the last Canadian Cabinet-level official to visit Taiwan was in 1998. He said much has changed since then and a lot can be gained by both countries if a similar visit can be arranged.
The envoy suggested that Canada ink a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement with Taiwan and show support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Chen said either action will create a win-win situation for both Taiwan and Canada.